Best Pete Davidson Film Not Starring Him: Hulu’s ‘Eenie Meanie’
If you’re on the hunt for an under-the-radar gem to watch, look no further than the show Wayne. It’s a mix of funny, emotional, and straight-up cool, featuring a cast of mostly unknown actors alongside Mike O’Malley and Dean Winters. Originally a YouTube Premium series that got canceled after one season, it briefly found a home on Prime Video. Personally, I was convinced to give it a shot by Lord Castleton, and I’m so glad I did. Unfortunately, Castleton never got around to reviewing it (blame women’s soccer!), but if you can track it down on YouTube, it’s well worth the watch.
The mastermind behind Wayne, Shawn Simmons, also wrote and made his directorial debut with the film Eenie Meanie, which just dropped on Hulu. Like Wayne, I worry that this movie might not get the attention it deserves (although it seems to be gaining traction on Hulu). Eenie Meanie shares the same blend of dark humor, violent flair, and poignant moments that made Wayne stand out. It’s a rare find in the world of streaming films.
What sets Eenie Meanie apart is its stellar cast, including Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, and supporting talents like Andy Garcia, Steve Zahn, Randall Park, and Marshawn Lynch (yes, Mike O’Malley is back too). Weaving stars as Edie, a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back into the criminal world by her reckless ex-boyfriend John, played by Glusman. When a crime boss played by Andy Garcia threatens John’s life, Edie has to step up for one last risky heist.
The heart of the movie lies in the relationship between Edie and John. John is the classic charming disaster, the kind of guy who can’t help but mess things up but still manages to be magnetic. Think Pete Davidson or Jeremy Allen White. While Glusman captures the reckless energy of John, he falls short on showcasing the lovable side, which is a minor flaw in an otherwise solid film.
Simmons’s directorial vision shines through in Eenie Meanie. The movie delivers a mix of intense action and emotional depth, reminiscent of a modern-day A Simple Plan. It might not cater to mainstream tastes, explaining its direct-to-streaming release, but it draws inspiration from acclaimed filmmakers like Tarantino and Edgar Wright. If you appreciate a stylish heist flick with sharp dialogue and complex relationships, give this one a watch. Weaving delivers a standout performance, Randall Park makes a memorable cameo, and Marshawn Lynch steals the show in his scenes. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s definitely a good option in the sea of streaming content.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out Wayne too!
